We’ve got heart eyes this February! By that we mean we’re taking a close look at what will keep our hearts beating strong and long into the future.
We have posted new blogs on top supplements for heart health and more info on our new heart-healthy offering, Berberine + Chromium. Below, we’ve got a heart-healthy recipe for you incorporating one of our favorite products.
Instead of handing your love a box of chocolates this Valentine’s morning, how about handing them a glass of heart-healthy chocolate in smoothie form? It’s a chocolate gift that tells them you love them so much… that you’d like to keep them around by supporting the longevity of their cardiovascular system.
Not only is supportive nutrition important to our cardiovascular health, but maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to our longevity too. Starting the day with a healthy breakfast can provide the nutritional fuel we need and help us make better nutritional choices throughout the day.
Metabolic Maintenance offers an incredible chocolate-flavored powdered supplement, specifically made for smoothies and shakes. It’s called Metabolic Detox Complete. Scroll down for a great recipe that combines Metabolic Detox® Complete with a few other heart-supportive ingredients to make an extra special, extra decadent shake that’s so healthy you can drink it daily.
Metabolic Detox® Complete
Metabolic Detox® Complete contains a hypoallergenic blend of pea, rice, and hemp, non-GMO proteins, beneficial medium-chain triglycerides, and omega-3 fatty acids. Our Metabolic Detox® Complete also includes a balanced combination of vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and other beneficial nutrient cofactors to simplify and support both Phase I and Phase II detoxification. With 20 grams of protein per serving, it makes an excellent meal replacement or a daily protein shake.
Among the long list of nutritional ingredients contained in Metabolic Detox® Complete are some of our favorite heart support nutrients, such as omega-3s and magnesium. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol [1]. One of magnesium’s hundreds of functions in the body is to relax the arteries, thereby reducing blood pressure and stress on the heart [2]. Normal blood pressure and healthy cholesterol levels are essential to cardiovascular health.
Banana
Bananas are a heart healthy fruit for several reasons. Namely, they are high in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also sweet and creamy, and can lend their decadent taste and texture to a dessert-like smoothie.
Potassium is one of the minerals found in bananas. Potassium and sodium counterbalance each other for numerous cellular processes. Some of these processes affect blood pressure and arterial health [3]. Because the Western diet is typically very high in sodium (from salt), we need at least 4,700 mg a day of potassium from the diet to balance our sodium intake. One medium banana has 422 mg of potassium and each scoop of Metabolic Detox Complete adds another 200 mg.
Bananas are a “high pectin fruit”, meaning they are rich in the soluble fiber, pectin. Pectin helps promote feelings of fullness, may ease bloating, and has a soothing effect on the gut [4]. Bananas also contain prebiotics, food for probiotics or the healthy gut bacteria we want to encourage to populate the gut. Prebiotic fiber promotes a healthy microbiome and production of heart-supportive short-chain fatty acids [5].
Cherries
Cherries are a rich source of polyphenols and vitamin C which have antioxidant and inflammation balancing properties [6]. Published human studies which examined health benefits of consuming cherries have shown decreased markers for oxidative stress, mitigated inflammation, healthier blood pressure, and even improved sleep [6]. All of these health benefits contribute to cardiovascular health.
We like frozen cherries for this recipe. They are a summer fruit with a short season. But, they can be picked and frozen at the peak of freshness, maintaining their nutritional content. Plus, in a smoothie or milkshake, it’s nice to have frozen fruit to cool the drink. When you rely on ice, it can dilute flavor.
Recipe
In a blender combine:
- 1 handful of ice cubes
- 1 banana
- 1 large handful frozen cherries
- 1 scoop Metabolic Detox® Complete
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup your favorite milk (dairy or non)
Blend! Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve with a hug.
References
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/vitamin-supplements-hype-or-help-for-healthy-eating
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/70/3/153/1903971
- https://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/advice/g1271/heart-healthy-food/?slide=14
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-20-healthiest-fruits
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13668-018-0248-8